Urinary Tract Infections 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a common illness. It is often caused by bacteria, which are germs that make you sick. These bacteria may enter and infect the urinary tract. The bacteria may come from outside the body. Or they may travel from the skin outside the rectum or vagina into the urethra. It is easy for bacteria from the bowel to enter your urinary tract, which is the most common source of UTI. Pain in or around the urinary tract is a common UTI symptom. But the only way to know for sure if you have a UTI is to ask your doctor to order urine test for you. The two tests that may be done are the urinalysis and urine culture.

Types of UTIs

• Cystitis. A bladder infection (cystitis) is the most common UTI. You may have urgent or frequent urination. You may also have pain, burning when you urinate, and bloody urine.

• Urethritis. This is an inflamed urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. You may have lower stomach or back pain. You may also have urgent or frequent urination.

• Pyelonephritis. This is a kidney infection. If not treated, it can damage your kidneys. In severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital. You may have a fever and lower back pain.

Medicines to treat a UTI

Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which is medicines that kill the bacteria. The length of time you need to take them depends on the type of infection. It may be as short as 3 days. If you have repeated UTIs, you may need a low-dose antibiotic for a few months. Take antibiotics exactly as directed. Don’t stop taking them until all of the medicine is used. If you stop taking the antibiotic too soon, the infection may not go away. You may also grow a resistance to the antibiotic. This can make it much harder to treat.

Lifestyle changes to treat and prevent UTIs

The lifestyle changes below will help get rid of your UTI. They may also help prevent future UTIs.

• Drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, juice, or other drinks without caffeine. Fluids help flush bacteria out of your body.

• Empty your bladder. Always empty your bladder when you feel the urge to urinate. And always urinate before going to sleep. Urine that stays in your bladder can lead to infection. Try to urinate before and after sex as well.

• Practice good personal hygiene. Wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet. This helps keep bacteria from getting into the urethra.

• Use condoms during sex. These help prevent UTIs. Also don't use spermicides during sex. These can increase the risk for UTIs. Choose other forms of birth control instead. For people who tend to get UTIs after sex, a low-dose of antibiotic may be used. Be sure to discuss this option with your doctor.

• Follow up with your doctor as needed. He or she may order tests to make sure you are healed. If needed, more treatment may also be started.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.

Urinary Tract Infections 

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) is a common illness. It is often caused by bacteria, which are germs that make you sick. These bacteria may enter and infect the urinary tract. The bacteria may come from outside the body. Or they may travel from the skin outside the rectum or vagina into the urethra. It is easy for bacteria from the bowel to enter your urinary tract, which is the most common source of UTI. Pain in or around the urinary tract is a common UTI symptom. But the only way to know for sure if you have a UTI is to ask your doctor to order urine test for you. The two tests that may be done are the urinalysis and urine culture.

Types of UTIs

• Cystitis. A bladder infection (cystitis) is the most common UTI. You may have urgent or frequent urination. You may also have pain, burning when you urinate, and bloody urine.

• Urethritis. This is an inflamed urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. You may have lower stomach or back pain. You may also have urgent or frequent urination.

• Pyelonephritis. This is a kidney infection. If not treated, it can damage your kidneys. In severe cases, you may need to stay in the hospital. You may have a fever and lower back pain.

Medicines to treat a UTI

Most UTIs are treated with antibiotics, which is medicines that kill the bacteria. The length of time you need to take them depends on the type of infection. It may be as short as 3 days. If you have repeated UTIs, you may need a low-dose antibiotic for a few months. Take antibiotics exactly as directed. Don’t stop taking them until all of the medicine is used. If you stop taking the antibiotic too soon, the infection may not go away. You may also grow a resistance to the antibiotic. This can make it much harder to treat.

Lifestyle changes to treat and prevent UTIs

The lifestyle changes below will help get rid of your UTI. They may also help prevent future UTIs.

• Drink plenty of fluids. This includes water, juice, or other drinks without caffeine. Fluids help flush bacteria out of your body.

• Empty your bladder. Always empty your bladder when you feel the urge to urinate. And always urinate before going to sleep. Urine that stays in your bladder can lead to infection. Try to urinate before and after sex as well.

• Practice good personal hygiene. Wipe yourself from front to back after using the toilet. This helps keep bacteria from getting into the urethra.

• Use condoms during sex. These help prevent UTIs. Also don't use spermicides during sex. These can increase the risk for UTIs. Choose other forms of birth control instead. For people who tend to get UTIs after sex, a low-dose of antibiotic may be used. Be sure to discuss this option with your doctor.

• Follow up with your doctor as needed. He or she may order tests to make sure you are healed. If needed, more treatment may also be started.

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Please always follow your health care provider’s instructions. Programs and services are subject to change.